Elevator pitch

Phil AmmannAugust 29, 2017

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements – both on and off – of the legislative merry-go-round. Off: Sean White is no longer listed as a legislative analyst in the Senate Majority Office. On: Angela Herndon became administrative support for the House Government Accountability Committee and its subcommittees (Local, Federal & Veterans Affairs; Natural Resources […]

Phil AmmannAugust 26, 2017

An Orlando entrepreneur is now demanding a jury trial in his suit against Attorney General Pam Bondi, in which he claims she forces businesses to donate millions of dollars to unregistered charities as part of settlements in consumer protection cases. John D. Smith, who invented Storm Stoppers plastic panels, marketed as a “plywood alternative” to protect windows during storms, […]

Phil AmmannAugust 25, 2017

On Friday, Gov. Rick Scott announced 12 appointments to a variety of state boards. Task Force on Affordable Housing Scott began by naming five people to the Task Force on Affordable Housing, formed in 2017 to develop recommendations for discussing the state’s affordable housing needs. Jack Humburg, 60, of Saint Petersburg, is the executive vice […]

Phil AmmannAugust 22, 2017

Former state Sen. Greg Evers died in a car wreck near his northwest Florida home on Monday night. He was 62. The Florida Highway Patrol said that Evers drove off a curve on Griffith Mill Road, and his car was found submerged in a roadside creek Tuesday afternoon. Evers was the only person in the vehicle.

Phil AmmannAugust 11, 2017

Daniel Webster is making significant headway in the effort to repay debts owed to Florida veterans. In a statement Thursday, the Clermont Republican congressman announced that since January, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded more than $1 million to Florida veterans in compensation, pension or retroactive payments. Webster represents Florida’s 11th Congressional District, […]

Phil AmmannAugust 10, 2017

Almost 25 years have passed since a Category 5 hurricane struck south of Miami, and the city’s vulnerability to catastrophic storm damage has grown exponentially, according to a new insurance underwriters’ analysis. At the time, Hurricane Andrew was the most expensive natural disaster in U.S. history, causing more than $26 billion of damage in Florida’s […]

Phil AmmannAugust 9, 2017

While not yet official a candidate for Florida governor, state Sen. Jack Latvala has made a major hire: Fred Davis, who was once described as the “GOP’s most notorious ad man.” Latvala tells Florida Politics that Davis has been retained by his Florida Leadership Committee. Latvala has said he will announce his 2018 plans on August […]

Phil AmmannAugust 8, 2017

On Monday, Gov. Rick Scott announced five appointments to a variety of courts and state boards. Alachua County Court Scott began by naming Kristine Van Vorst to the Alachua County Court. Van Vorst, 40, of Gainesville, serves as General Magistrate and Judicial Hearing Officer for the Eighth Judicial Circuit. Earlier, she was a solo practitioner […]

Phil AmmannAugust 7, 2017

Tampa International Airport is preparing for the future, moving ahead with a multibillion-dollar expansion project while setting new passenger records in 2017. However, Noah Pransky of WTSP found that TIA appears hesitant to embrace the latest transportation disruptor: ridesharing technology companies Uber and Lyft. With significant ridership increases, Uber and Lyft have impacted airport revenues […]

Phil AmmannAugust 4, 2017

Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry is all about loyalty, and much of this edition comes back to the idea of one’s squad as a result. For example, there’s Curry’s candidate in the House District 15 race to succeed Jay Fant, who is running for Attorney General instead of pursuing re-election. And then there’s the push to […]

Phil Ammann
Lake Mary’s team celebrates in the eighth inning of the Little League World Series Championship game against Taiwan. Florida won in eight innings 2-1. Image via AP.

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

Takeaways from Tallahassee — Back to court

Rick Scott announces 12 state board appointments

Greg Evers, former state senator, dies in wreck

Daniel Webster helps secure $1M in back pay for CD 11 veterans

Insurer: Miami is more vulnerable to hurricanes like Andrew

Jack Latvala hires prominent GOP ad maker Fred Davis

Rick Scott announces five court, board appointments

Is Tampa airport expansion ‘betting big’ on old tech over distuptors like ridesharing?

Jacksonville Bold for 8.4.17 — Squad goals